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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 7

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

97 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the expense involved in the purchase of materials for students of art, design and fashion, which is approximately £60 per week; if she will make resources available to such students in order to alleviate hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10209/97]

As the Deputy will be aware, the State now meets the tution fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at approved colleges. Over 28,000 students have benefited under the free fees initiative in 1995-96.

Under the means tested schemes of third level student support operated by my Department, eligible students may qualify for the payment of a maintenance grant which is intended to help defray the costs associated with attendance at third level courses. Where any individual student is experiencing short-term financial difficulties, he or she can apply to the college authority for assistance from the handicap fund, which I established in 1994.

Having regard to the overall resource constraints, I am not in a position to accede to the Deputy's request to provide additional assistance in this area.

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